Well, I'm not the OP but I've seen the same thing.

I avoid the chain type places and choose an independent type place in order to taste "local" cuisine. At some point within the last 12-18 months, potatoes and (other) vegetables have disappeared from the entree plate. But I haven't seen any $2-3 sides. You want potatoes? Ca-ching!, another $6. You want veggies? Ca-ching! another $5. Suddenly the reasonable $18 entree becomes $29 and not so reasonable. Desserts have moved too from $4-5 to $7-8. Signs of the times I guess.